A self-described “comfort-lover,” Samantha Gale of Dover, N.H., once dreaded anything to do with camping.

But since her husband coaxed her on wilderness trips to the Southwest and Canada’s maritime provinces, she’s hooked – and fitter than ever.

“Being in nature makes the best vacation,” she says. “Exercise is always part of our trips, and always feels more fun, whether we’re carrying 30-pound packs on our backs or kayaking along a rocky shore.”

A Woman’s World
In a 1999 National Sporting Goods Association survey, camping climbed to No. 3 on the list of top 10 female participation sports, with 23.3 million women choosing it over working out on exercise equipment.

Those who go camping automatically experience a host of built-in fitness activities, says Sally Oliver of Bristol, Maine. Campers must stay active, doing everything from pitching a tent and gathering kindling, to hiking to the nearest running water or bathroom facilities that can be a quarter of a mile away. “Everything you do needs effort, whether lifting water jugs, shifting equipment, even cooking, with its bending and lifting to get food and cooking gear,” she says. “Also, since you’re living more or less outside, you tend not to slump onto a comfy piece of furniture and not move.”

Beat a Retreat
Women who want to give camping a try don’t have to go it alone. These days, Oliver does most of her camping with a medieval recreation group. This offers a chance for lots of physical activity in the great outdoors, since cars aren’t allowed in the camping area and she has to carry everything on foot, all while wearing the heavy yards of fabric of her medieval “garb.”

The [campsite of the] biggest event I go to is over a mile and a half long,” she says. “So to go from the camping area to classes or other daily events can be quite a hike.” If that’s not enough exercise, she can supplement from such available activities as canoeing, hiking, rock-climbing, cave-exploring or botany field trips.

Women-only group camping activities are increasingly offered all over the country, many sponsored by urban YMCAs to help women get away from it all. The Washington, D.C., Y’s Women’s Wellness Weekend, held at a lakeside camp in Maryland, makes camping a source of rejuvenation as well as fitness. Part outdoor odyssey, part spa, these weekends feature massage, facials and manicures along with camping, hayrides, trail riding and ropes courses. Workshop sessions address wellness issues, healthy cooking, financial planning, yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates.

The annual YMCA Women’s Fitness Camp in Elgin, Ill., offers women a fitness jumpstart on summer. As they get away for a camping week of physical activities and informal workshops, they can also enjoy low-fat, low-calorie meals that they don’t have to cook themselves. Like many similar camping-style programs, this one supplies most of the equipment.

Camping Women, an organization that aims to provide safe camping experiences for women, offers a variety of camping opportunities, instruction and outdoor resources. They charge only the fees necessary to cover the expense of each event and welcome new members from all over the United States and the world.

What to Pack
Whether you choose to pitch a tent or stay in a cabin, you can find campgrounds just about anywhere you go. Sites in most will have a fire pit and bathrooms nearby (some with showers).

For basic equipment, if accommodations aren’t provided, you’ll need a lightweight, sturdy and waterproof tent. Always bring tent instructions with you, as the poles can all begin to look alike, especially in dim light toward the end of the day when you’re tired, says Gale.

To offset camping’s firm “bed” that may cost you a good night’s sleep, use an egg-crate foam pad or an air mattress, each available at discount retail stores for about $20. A padded exercise mat or extra sleeping bag can also help cushion you considerably, says Gale.

Although it’s not imperative to have a sleeping bag, it guarantees that you’ll stay warmer – and dryer – two things that become very important when you’re staying outdoors, she says.

Other important camping basics include sunscreen, sun-blocking shirts and hats, several water bottles, a first-aid kit, a jack knife, a flashlight, matches, wet wipes and lip balm.

Because staying outdoors can expose you to a variety of temperatures, even in summer, it helps to bring layers of clothing. Although a cotton shirt or two can be useful, wool or polypropylene fabrics are better at retaining insulating properties, especially when it’s damp or wet.

Sweatshirts and pants are good for sleeping and time spent at the campsite. A lightweight waterproof jacket and pants can be a big help to layer over other clothes, says Gale. Waterproof boots or shoes are also good, and sandals or slip-on shoes are easiest for hanging out. Add hiking socks and at least one polar-fleece-type garment for warmth.

“When it comes to camping, you lug lots of things, and do more work, all so that you can then do nothing,” says Gale, laughing. “If we’re not hiking or exploring, we’re spending time staring at the sky or watching mother birds teach their babies to fly. We also tend to wake and sleep with the sun. These are the kinds of benefits that bring mental and spiritual fitness, as well as physical.”

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